Formation of a Church [Finished]

[Jenn]

Evening’s arrival normally ushered in a quieting of the human city, or at least a lessening of the noises of ‘legitimate’ activities, but even so, the silence surrounding the graveyard of the abandoned church was eerie. In such a hushed peace, the sound of paw pads stepping through the dry grass was startlingly loud. Bright moonlight shone down to illuminate the event about to take place.

Kaerjius approached the doors to the dilapidated cathedral, moving to sit on the landing above the steps and survey the churchyard. It saddened him to see a place of such obvious former splendor fall into disrepair and disuse. His own church would be pristine, the faith and devotion of its constituents apparent in its condition. That thought led to another, and soon he was lost to contemplation as he waited for others to arrive.



The first to show up was a young cervine, her black, white, and gold fur a startlingly beautiful contrast to behold. Aoibhin had been the very first Amuni to come across Kaerjius after his return to London from nearly a century of travel. She had eagerly accepted a place in the Church he proposed to lead, his authority awing her more than she cared to admit. Such a figure...she had never expected to meet him, much less become a missionary under his rule. It excited her every time she thought on it for too long.

Over the past few months, she had focused her attentions on spreading the word of his arrival and attracting the interest of other Amuni who were without a Church of their own. She moved to sit beside him on the cool stone of the landing, waiting for others to arrive.




Andrija and Gabryjel met the young missionary early on, together in their travels, and had been quite taken with her words. As such, they had agreed to come and meet the Pope tonight, to see if he was everything she had described, someone they could pledge their loyalty to without hesitation. Andrija’s would be the loyalty to win, Gabryjel content to follow his friend’s lead and judgment in such matters.



Following them by only a few meters was another Amuni, this one a pale-colored feline follower in desperate need of assistance. She wished to make a difference in this city, so awash in the sin of the Euclide, but could not do so on her own. With the strength of a Church behind her, maybe...

[Kitty Love]

A spec of blue, marked with a rainbow of other colors would appear on the horizon. She wasn't exactly a delicate, easily hidden figure. Her bulky ursae body prevented this from being so, but it's features were made almost delicate by the feline influence coursing through her veins. Grey visionaries were mildly dull and her steps were weary, her armor weighing her down as she moved through the gravestones. She traveled almost non-stop, her mission would not be done until the last Euclides took it's final breath, she was the weary avenger and had been the last face many a euclide had seen.

Rounded auditories jumped forward at the sound of a congregation, her muscles tensed until her gaze rested upon the group, Amuni, like herself. Mildly relieved her path changed and she made her way toward the group. Short lion like tail was held high, the cross that hung from it swaying rhythmically as she moved. The figure sitting among the rest seemed to beckon her toward him and she was not one to deny this urge.

She made her way straight to him, her eyes never wandering to the others gathered around. Once she was in his presence she bowed her head courteously, uttering simply her name and the title she had been given to the ones who's aura seemed so strong. Palabizikorna, the Avenger.

The fact that she was the only patchwork here did not bother her for she was proud of her lineage, it gave her certain attributes that only made her quest easier and her faith was stronger then most pure Amuni's could ever dream of.

[ferabird]

Like unto the others, Ilja felt himself strongly drawn to the gathering. He'd heard rumor of the grand church that would be formed- and of the pope who would call them together to rally against the evil of the euclide... How could he do anything but weave between the tombstones to join that noble figure? Each headstone was offered the murmer of a prayer in passing, good work meant to counter the distressing recent presence of euclide. Such could only be destructive and needed fixing! Normally it was the work of the lesser ranks, but whispered prayers were hardly so far beneath him that he'd refuse the lesser chore.

"It is an honor...." the wolfish amuni'd rumble, sinking reverantly into a bow as he neared the blessed pope.

[Jenn]

Silvery eyes gazed down at the approaching Amuni, each so wonderfully unique. Aoibhin was treated to a grateful smile as she laid down, one that she returned in full. Her efforts on his behalf would not go unrecognized. “You will be blessed among my flock,” he told her quietly as the two cervines and the feline climbed the steps. She dipped her head in a respectful bow.

The three approaching mirrored that bow soon enough: A Bishop, a Priest, and a Follower to join Aoibhin as one of their Missionaries. He was quite pleased. Now he needed a strong Cardinal to complete the basis of his hierarchy. He acknowledged each of the three in their turn, asking for and receiving their names. Already he could see the assertive nature of nature of Andrija in the way that Gabryjel, so quiet and strong, deferred to him. Sibeal did not look to be associated with either, but the rippling of muscle beneath her wiry frame spoke of much training and many battles. Her fur was not without its scars.

His scrutiny of this batch was suddenly halted as his eyes caught sight of something moving through the tombstones. He looked up and his eyes widened slightly. Another Creation. Or...perhaps not, with the swirling patches of rainbow adorning their hide. Her leg bracers and neck guard broadcast her vocation to the world, only confirmed when she climbed the steps to bow her head before him.

“Avenging angel,” he said softly, “you are most welcome here.”

He would have said more, but another shape had begun to climb the steps, his initial approach going unnoticed in part because of his dark coloring in the dark ness of evening and in part because of his silent movements. The swish of red cloth had finally caught his attention and he looked on approvingly as the canine bowed. “Cardinal, rise. What excellent timing you have.”

[silvertip]

(He's so smexy. *-*)


Light paws carried Asimabi through the churchyard, at a snails pace. Languid paws were placed according to the clearest places of the path. She was waiting for him. He was the first Amuni she had met in.... to long of a time. He just needed to get his stuff and then they would go back to her Monastery. She could imagine the pearlisent glow of the large cross in which she restored herself.

Her attention was lost momentarily untill she saw a flicker of color. Slowly she weaved through the tomb stones and was not prepared for the sight she saw. His hat stood out like a beacon, his blue pelt added to its stunning display. It seems the light of heaven had just hit him in a ray of light. Or so, how she thought.

Eyes wide in amazement, she took a few steps closer untill she was at the stone steps. Her eyes were always fixed on him, her breathing scarce. She didn't know what to say- and how could she. With a quick dip of her head she started to look at the other Amuni that were also attracted to this Pope like a mouth to a bright light. Her gaze once again fell upon the Pope. She couldn't wait untill Sergej found her.

[ferabird]

Reverantly would Ilja rouse again, only to then sink to his haunches as his wolfish gaze met that of the pope. Oh- but how he felt the pull- the burning need to serve the greater cause. Monstrous paws set themselves respectfully near his form, seeing as the commandment-type had no desire to invade his pope's personal space.

"I offer myself to your church, Honored Father." he'd rumble, terming his fellow canine much the same as humans referred to their holy leaders. "Please, allow me the pleasure of assisting you. I would eradicate the taint of the demon-spawn at your faintest command." The desire to do what he'd been born, created to do was one strong and clear. A lupine so thick of muscle could be no less than an eradicator of evil.

[Jenn]

Sergej made his way to the abandoned cathedral, his appointed meeting place with Asima after his nightly hunt. None of the demons had made themselves apparent to him, which was a disappointment, but at least he would return to her unscathed. She always got so upset when he sustained an injury. It would be interesting to see the old church again, his former home. Mixed feelings would likely wash through him. Though he had spent several years of his life haunting the old building, only a few days in the Missionary's company had convinced him that he would never be able to live alone again.

As he approached, he heard a mixture of voices on the wind and his steps slowed, ears pricked to catch the sound. Asima's voice was not among them. Memories of Kaedaj and that fateful night rippled through his conscious thoughts and he shivered, hackles rising. What if, in asking her to meet him here, he had inadvertently led her into some kind of Euclide ambush? The thought ran through him like a shock of cold water, chilling him through. Hesitation gone, he took off for the building at a run.

He cleared the last large mausoleum before the structure itself and stopped cold at what he saw, thoughts immediately halted as they tried to process the sight before him. His beautiful saviour stood at the base of the steps, having moved no further...because of the gathering near the top. Amuni of all breeds and sizes, all ranks and types, were milling by the doors, one figure standing out like a beacon. His white and gold miter shone in the moonlight and the others were all circling him, either standing silently and or speaking quietly with another near them. All eyes were on the Pope, their obvious leader. He slowly resumed walking and moved to stand beside Asima. "What...?" he whispered, unable to complete the question as his eyes drunk in the fact that they were not alone.

- - - - -

Watching Ilja's rise, Kaerjius allowed himself a smile at the Cardinal's fervent declaration. "Our cause is sorely in need of devotion such as yours, Cardinal. For too long have the evils of Yuukuj's hated children been allowed to run rampant in this city. A cleansing such as one that I intend has been long overdue. I am Pope Kaerjius the First, if you do not know my name. By what name may I address you?"

The motion below of yet more gathered Amuni caught his eye, the canine pair below staring up at him with wide eyes. He suspected, by the way the blue male stood so close to the female, that they were a pair. "Come join us?" he invited them, voice loud enough for his words to carry slightly.

[Kitty Love]

Zi, although tired, would not allow herself the luxury of sitting nor laying down. When in the company of others, Amuni like her could never rest. Or, rather, among company they were not familiar with or if there were more then two. Such rules had been formed long ago when training under the old canine who showered her with his knowledge and pushed her to gain her strength. It was in his memory, and to avenge all that he had taught her, that she was here today. This Pope was the one her mentor had spoke of, the one whom would bring doom to the demons of the Theater, and she was pleased to be in his presence.

However, her form stood still and tall, proud despite it's obvious fatigue. Rounded auditories swiveled here and there, catching voices and noises as they were carried to them. Grey visionaries scanned those gathered, and the surrounding area with what would look like disinterest, but it really wasn't. It was, how humans described it, a poker face. It would not due to lead any hidden enemies onto the fact that she'd spotted them had their been any there.

Every Amuni gathered here had a folder somewhere in her mind and she was sticking more and more information into each one of these. She would know her comrades, and she would know them well. End of story. Her gaze, however, momentarily slipped to Kaerjius again, before it began to drift once more. She certainly wouldn't want to stare at him, no, that was poor manners wasn't it?

[Jenn]

While their Pope was occupied welcoming potential new members to the congregation, a small white feline approached Zi and sat beside her, large ears half-back in an uncertain but nonthreatening gesture. Gold and green markings threaded through her fur: some flowed down her back in a stripe, others striped her forelimbs, and still more dripped from her eyes like colorful tear stains. Her body was lean and taut with muscle, scars visible in the pale fur if one examined closely enough. She looked at the patchwork Amuni and offered a polite dip of the head.

"My name is Sibeal, a Follower," she introduced herself to the Missionary. "I'm judging by your armor that you've battled your fair share of the demons. Where did you find someone to make you such a thing?"

Her gaze on the shining silver leg braces and neck guard was admiring. She preferred physical confrontations herself, but her strength rested in her ability to move quickly, dodge, and strike without warning. Armor such as Palabizikorna's spoke of an endurance and fortitude that she would never possess. From a distance, Gabryjel admired her defensive plate as well. His curled horns served him well when attacking, as did his cloven hooves, but he was always more vulnerable to a counterattack. The Creation mix had obviously found a way around such inconvenience with her specially crafted armor.

[silvertip]

Asimabi's attention only flickered from the Pope to Sergej. Indeed, she was very happy that he didn't have any injuries, she was a softer Amuni, more fitted to help others with social problems and bring in new members. However she did have consolation in that she could care for him, the comfort he used to not have.

She was as confused as he was, although the obvious was happening. A church was forming. As Kaerjius addressed them, her heart sank. Could she honor herself in his prescence? Would she have all the necessary skills in a group like this? It seemed only a few days ago she had met Sergej. In a dark alley of filth she had met her heaven sent. It seemed they were destined.

Her head jerked over to the Promise type. Her eyes pleaded for support from her mate. She couldn't do it alone. Quickly she dipped her head to the Pope and indroduced herself, she didn't want to be rude. "Asimabi, missionary, guider of lost souls."

[Jenn]

Sergej registered the plea in Asima's eyes and immediately dipped his head as well. Whatever she chose to do, he would follower her in this decision. She would never have to be alone again. He listed to her introduction, soft as it was, and added his own a breath after. "Sergej, follower, hunter of demons. It is an honor to meet you, Pope Kaerjius. Father." He only hoped that this gathering was indeed what it appeared to be. First stumbling upon his heart's desire in the grime of an alley, then finding his place in her monastery, and now...hopefully...

The Pope smiled at the pair, delighted by their obvious bond. "Strength comes from more than the body," he told them fondly. "It also rises up from the heart and soul. We have great need of guides in this time of darkness, Asimabi, who bring light and hope to those lost in shadow. And you, Sergej, who stands so protectively next to a gentle spirit...yes, the two of you were guided here. I'm sure of it." His small wings rustled against his back as he tilted his head to look at the moon. "Amunuku shepherds us still."

[silvertip]

The pope seemed so wise, Asimabi couldn't help but smile. She dipped her head respectfully again. "It is a great honor." Her bushy fox like tail swayed slowly in excitement. She slowly turned to Sergej. "I can't beleive it..... A Pope, right here infront of us... Its all happening.." she whispered to him, her face beaming with joy.

"Father, I thank you, we both need a congregation." she wouldn't tell him about the gang of Euclides that swore to kill her, not yet anyhow. Pale visionaries once again looked all around her, so many faces, she had not seen Amuni of this variation since she met a Church on the edge of Italy.

[Kitty Love]

There was a presence approaching and Zi slipped her gaze to the feline, her muzzle adopting a friendly smile, however small it was. Her line of work didn't' generally allow smiles, so they were a bit out of her spectrum, but she tried. Rounded auditories twitched to life at the feline's introduction, one of her own slipping from her maw. Palabizikorna The Avenger and a Missionary, may you be blessed Sibeal. That glimmer of a smile widening ever so slightly.

Auds shifted again at her question, a reasonable one that she really didn't mind answering, twas part f her history that she enjoyed remembering. My father was a Creation type with the ability to create such things from metal scraps. He forged them for me upon my departure and they've served me well since.

Her larger form, a trait from her Ursae father, made quick movements almost unheard of from her, she was slower then lighter built creatures and she would admit to this but she did posses a certain amount of endurance, which she was displaying now. Her legs were vulnerable, as was the back of her neck, which a planned attack could easily snap, thus they were both covered. With how she was built she could easily defend her throat though, so it was left uncovered. She actually wore minimal armor for her breed and profession, however uncommon armor actually was among Amuni.

She held news for the Pope, but it was of the darker nature and it would wait until later, she didn't wish to taint this gathering with words from across the city.

[ferabird]

Protectively the great wolfish fellow remained at the pope's side, though it was clear indeed to any that his slight duck of muzzle and subdued cant of ears conveyed serene deference to the more brightly-colored creature at his side. "I am known as Ilja, though I have no self-imposed title to set behind it, Honored Father." Only the greatest of respect should be granted the pope....

Slowly did the greatness of what was happening sink into the aggressive canine, the many vibrant colors of fur and the vastly different forms and personalities each making their impression upon them. It was as though the white-dappled pope was a beacon, calling the amuni from every imagined corner to attend him. Together they would make a grand church- purging the city of the taint that rested in every shadow and alley.

"Finally- the crusade can begin." he'd murmer, tone as reverant as it was deep. Seeing such a grand meeting take place.... It was more than the wolfish canine had ever dreamed he'd witness.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Speak of the devil, and the devil will appear. Perhaps his name had not been spoken- but Kaedaj frequented this graveyard. It was where he hunted not for eating, but for company. Many a euclides tended to wander amongst the headstones in the dead of the night, an affinity with the dead drawing them like moths to a flame. Tonight though there was not one to be found- and the young chiroptae, not quite yet an adult, was puzzled. Why was tonight different than any other? A shadow against the darkening sky, all to give him away was the potential flash of light from the golden sails of his wings. But that would require light now, wouldn't it? And the delapitated church had not been lit to support a gathering in years.

He was older than he'd been that day so long ago, and he could still feel the push of that brightly rainbow-hued paw against his chest. Back then it'd seen so enormous- readily capable of crushing the life from his youthful ribs. Now though he was nearly grown, larger and stronger than in those days past. And while perhaps his wing-sails were mottled by scarring and one great radar-like ear still notched- he countered that with the 'badge' he wore. About his neck on it's delicate chain lay the cross he'd stolen from the corpse of one of his amuni kills, though rather than wear it properly he'd had a hole drilled through the bottom so that the cross dangled heretically upside-down.

Shaking his head to pull himself from his reverie- the young vampire/requiem finally deigned to lower himself from the dizzying heights he'd risen to. Lower and lower he'd circle, only to have nemerous voices assault his hyper-sensetive ears. He heard the gathering long before seeing it, and swallowing any desire to call out- he instead flew in stealth to the church itself from high high above. Down to the decaying belltower he finally dove, secreting himself amongst the rusted and neglected bells. He'd stay out of sight for now at the tax of being unable to see the gathering. But oh- he could hear.

He could hear it all.

[Jenn]

Himself almost numbed with shock, Sergej returned her smile with one of his own and turned back to the Pope, inclining his head once again. "I have been hearing rumors of your arrival in the city for some months now, Father, and long have I desired the company and camaraderie of a Church. Asima and I would be honored if you considered us for membership." He would not mention his own vendetta against a certain Euclides, who was even then perched in an alcove above, none of them the wiser. If he knew, there would be no stopping the rage that would burst forth from him at the chiroptae's blasphemy.

The gentle nature of the canines' relationship touched something in Kaerjius, even more so because the Promise's calling as a fighter was obvious from his build. "I can see that the two of you are very much the kind of couple that this world needs more of, devoted and united. Your presence would be welcome in this congregation."

His ears twitched at Ilja's name, and his head turned fully at the Cardinal's comment. "The crusade...yes, that is remarkably apt. This will be a crusade, in the name of our Lord Amunuku, to cleanse the city of taint in the righteous fire of our holy quest."

((To find the grail! </end nerd))

"What a useful skill" Sibeal remarked with some amazement. She hadn't been around many Creations in her lifetime and now sat near two of them, awed by the potential contained within their brilliant blue forms. Such things were beyond her, but she could admire the craftsmanship behind their creations nonetheless. "And what about you? What do you have the power to create?"

The cervine male watching the exchange approached the pair of females, inclining his head politely. "Gabryjel, at your servce. Forgive my intrustion, but your armor really is fascinating. How helpful is it in battle? What do you find its worst hindrance? What type of metal is it crafted from?" His interest was obviously genuine and it attracted the attention of another cervine nearby.

Andrija had long looked forward to finding a Church in which he could put his skills to good use. He was a fair hand in battle, but not nearly as capable as others such as Gabryjel or Zi. One of his real skills rested in 'people management', or what his friend laughingly referred to as 'bossing people around'. He listened with interest to their conversation.

((Ooh, Kaedaj, you naughty boy. <3 So much love.))